Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the treatment of the patient according to Traditional Chinese Medical theory. Marston St. John will take your medical history and learn the details of your signs and symptoms. She will perform a physical exam based on this intake and then create an optimum treatment plan for your needs.
You will then have the opportunity to relax in the lying or sitting position while Marston inserts acupuncture needles in specific points on your body and allows you to close your eyes and take a rest.
Depending upon your chief complaint, you may receive electric stimulation at the needles points, cupping or guasha and moxibustion. If you have any questions about these treatments please read about their descriptions below.
After your treatment, Marston will provide you with an herbal formula or treatment when needed. In addition she will offer you a hand out of dietary and lifestyle suggestions based upon your health concerns. If you would like to request a list of suggested reading, Marston will be happy to provide you with that.
Electric Stimulation
Electric stimulation is a technique used to augment certain acupuncture treatments. Small electrical charges are emitted painlessly by a TENS machine through the acupuncture needles.
Cupping and Guasha
Cupping and guasha may be used to augment an acupuncture treatment or in place of acupuncture, for those patients who wish to avoid needles.
Cupping is a treatment involving round glass cups that are placed on the surface of the skin using suction. Cups may remain stationary on one part of the body, but may also be moved back and forth over a larger area.
Guasha uses a ceramic, jade or bone implement. An herbal liniment is selected based upon the type of ailment that the patient is suffering and the guasha tool is rubbed against the body in the area of pain or tension.
Both of these treatments remove pain, tension, toxicity or stagnation by releasing the muscle and allowing the dead blood cells in the affected area to rise to the surface of your body thus enhancing your energetic flow.
Moxibustion
Moxibustion, or moxa, is a type of therapy used in accordance with Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the application of heat to an acupuncture point or affected area. The herb mugwort is dried and prepared into a roll or ball and then burned slowly near the patient’s body. During this treatment, the patient is under constant observation and care by the practitioner.
The healing properties of the herb are coupled with the heat and help to heal the body. Moxa is a wonderful treatment for pain, digestive issues and other long term health problems. It may be used instead of acupuncture for those patients who do not like needles.
Medical Qi Gong
Medical qi gong is a Traditional Chinese Medical treatment that does not involve the use of needles. A regular intake and physical exam is conducted similar to an acupuncture treatment. Instead of administering needles, the medical qi gong practitioner uses their hands to guide the energy of the body into a healthy pattern. The patient usually remains in the lying down position during the course of the treatment while the practitioner work on them. Sometimes, healing sounds or vibrations are used on the affected area of the body. Moxa, cupping, guasha and needles (if requested) can also be used in conjunction with this treatment.
After the treatment, the patient practices qi gong exercises and asked to do these exercises at home. In addition, the patient may also receive herbal prescriptions and a dietary and lifestyle consultation.
PostPartum Home Visit
During the first month after giving birth, we will come to your house and give you a postpartum acupuncture treatment. This service includes an intake, acupuncture, herbs and a lesson for mom and/or dad in basic infant tuina massage. This is a worthwhile way to help prevent postpartum depression and heal after your birth and all in the comfort of your home.
Labor Induction
Go into labor naturally to avoid pitocin and reduce your risk of a c-section with an acupuncture treatment. It works and you’ll love it!